Few times can you outright say that your expectations for an event were right in line. The entire second half of 2011 in terms of hip-hop has been centered upon the moves of Jay-Z & Kanye West. Every critic wrote a glossy thesis on what their collaborative album Watch The Throne should and shouldn’t have been (we did too), adopted their “cray” phrase like pop culture napalm and ran with the running joke that their tour would be the most extravagant thing ever put on inside of an arena.

Which judging by the response of attendees at last night’s Houston stop – came true and then some.

Let it be known, standing out in a slight drizzle waiting for an event of such magnitude isn’t as bad as you may think. You see everything; you hear numerous cars going by blasting “Niggas In Paris” ad nauseam. There’s no sense of plausible denial when anticipating a show like Jay & ‘Ye and their output of visual ecstasy. You’re giddy, your snarky robe drops and you’re naked as a Playboy spread.

The tour, which by reports has grossed over $1 million a night has easily set the standard for what rap concerts define themselves as now. Long considered only completely enjoyable when huddled with 200+ others in a slightly rundown venue, rap has now become a full-blown gala of stars, bright lights & by Kanye West’s merits – fucking gaudy. The Throne as their affectionately referred to by rap insiders and smart alecks, proved such inside of Toyota Center on a dark and dismal Monday night.

There were the obvious stars: Bun B inside of a suite, watching as if his brother Pimp C were still with him thanks to an epic rendition of “Big Pimpin”, Trae Tha Truth, still reeling from the burial of his brother Clip D but in good spirits, Beyoncé who should be on maternity leave from music any second now and then there were the fans, standing at attention, lofting diamonds up as if it were a Call to Jesus meeting. Nothing felt amiss last night, not even when the city only got “Niggas In Paris” performed 5x.

Visually, everything you may have read about from various stops across the country still pale in comparison to seeing it live. There may be no creepier image than watching a little kid in a Klan outfit while his mom beams proudly with the sounds of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World” playing backdrop. A neat juxtaposition but damn if it isn’t jarring.

When images of Malcolm X & Martin Luther King flashed above, the album that set this tour in motion became a bit more important. Jay compared himself to X even though his little brother ‘Ye is far less peaceful and far more outlandish. Case in point, the Chicago native strolled out in a leather kilt with leather pants underneath. West, who was returning to Houston for the first time since 2008’s sprawling Glow In The Dark tour had another one of his quirky “pause the show, fix the lighting, this must be absolutely perfect” moments when a section of lighting wouldn’t spark “All Of The Lights”.

Chill bump moments included any early West solo hit and even moreso any of Jay’s collection of anthems and classics. Although we must say, “New Day” live is pretty emotional and even more now that Jay’s about to have a little girl. At now 42, his face a bit worn from life and businessman acumen almost in line with his rap accomplishments, Jay-Z still performs with the vigor and sense of a master showman. Unlike Ye’, he doesn’t rely on props that suspend disbelief. It’s just him, the audience and the act of command.

Still, seeing Kanye perform on top of a damn shark tank is mighty impressive, his presence almost like Jordan in the 4^th quarter. There are few moments to joke when Kanye seeks perfection. Which is probably why The Throne works so well together. They give one another breaks for solo stuff, come back for WTT material and close with what is now the perfect concert song. Thank Hit-Boy for that.

The Crowd: Was rewarded hand over fist. If it was your first concert, it would be absolutely hard to top whether setlist wise or visually.

The Setlist: Click here.

Random Moments: Near the end, Jay asked that some people come up front closer to the stage, instantly making us jealous from where we were but also making a few people super happy. Some woman threw a shoe, Kanye picked it up and smile. Someone also threw two joints at him. Same result. We’re thinking Mike Dean took one of them though, that cool ass producer he.

Recommended For Future Events: It’s Jay-Z & Kanye West, why the HELL would I not recommend that? Just bring a camera. One better than an iPhone one. Anyway, L Mac’s headed to the Dallas show tonight so maybe she’ll have her own thoughts on the show.

“Welcome To The Jungle”. Photo Cred: Andrea Brown

“Otis”. Photo Cred: Rosalinda

Photo Cred: Marco Torres / Houston Press

Brando

EIC of Day & A Dream, Brando has written for such publications as DJ Booth, Refined Hype & the Houston Press. Wrestling enthusiast, sneaker addict, sports junkie and certified cake eater. Follow him on Twitter: @_brandoc

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